figure out

verb

figured out; figuring out; figures out

transitive verb

1

: discover, determine

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve, fathom

figure out a problem

Synonyms of figure out

• solve
• answer
• unravel
• resolve

Examples of figure out in a Sentence

a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Recent Examples on the Web

Weekender bags come in all shapes and sizes, so spend some time figuring out which one works best for you. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026

Sullivan will also need to begin a rebuild of Miami’s roster and figure out what to do with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched the final three games of the season because of poor play. —Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026

The stats are solid — a franchise-record 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns to only seven interceptions — and the eye test shows someone figuring out how to do this job at the highest level. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Getting a good medical check can help figure out what's happening and give parents peace of mind. —Lindsey Getz, Parents, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for figure out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

figure out

verb

1

: find out, discover

try to figure out a way to do it

2

: solve

figure out a problem